Chengdu’s fall season slowly shifts from the last heat of summer to the crispness of early winter. Daytime highs start in the low 80s °F in September and drop to the mid-50s °F by late November. Nights cool off from around 70°F to the mid-40s.
This gradual change opens up a comfortable window to enjoy the city. You don’t have to deal with the extremes of summer or the cold of winter.
Rainfall tapers off quickly as fall goes on, making this one of Chengdu’s driest times. Early September can still be wet (see here), but by late November, rain barely shows up.
With less humidity and more clear days, the air feels fresher. Visibility gets better compared to summer’s haze.
This change in weather draws people to Chengdu’s parks, temples, and tea houses. Milder temps, clearer skies, and a relaxed vibe set the stage for both outdoor fun and cultural visits.
Overview of Chengdu’s Fall Climate
Fall in Chengdu brings a welcome break after the hot, sticky summer. Rain falls less often, skies open up, and temperatures slip from warm in September to chilly by late November.
Typical Weather Patterns
Chengdu sits in the Sichuan Basin, which traps moisture and often leads to cloudy skies. In fall, cloud cover drops steadily, so you get more clear or partly sunny days than in summer.
Rain still happens, but it’s lighter and less frequent than in July and August. September can be damp, while October and November are much drier.
Humidity eases compared to midsummer, making outdoor life more pleasant. Cooler temps help, too. Still, you might wake up to fog and haze, which is pretty typical here.
Seasonal Temperature Trends
Temperatures in Chengdu fall steadily through autumn. In September, highs often reach around 28°C (82°F), but by November, they’re closer to 13–15°C (55–59°F).
Nights cool off faster, dropping from about 19°C (66°F) in September to 7°C (45°F) in November.
You’ll want lighter clothing early on and warmer layers by late fall. The shift isn’t sudden, so you can enjoy mild weather for much of September and October before the chill sets in.
The lower heat and humidity make fall a comfortable time to get out and explore. You’ll still catch some warm afternoons, but evenings turn brisk.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Fall in Chengdu is less humid, less rainy, and cooler than summer. The heavy downpours of July and August fade to lighter showers, and skies brighten with less cloud cover.
Winter feels colder and gloomier, with lots of overcast days and little sun. Unlike fall, winter temps can get close to freezing, and the dampness makes the cold bite a bit more.
Spring feels a bit like fall, with mild temperatures and manageable rain. Still, fall usually feels drier and clearer, which is why many visitors prefer it if they want comfy weather without summer crowds.
Average Fall Temperatures in Chengdu
Chengdu’s temperatures drop steadily through fall, moving from warm and humid in early September to cool and crisp by late November. You’ll notice changes in both daytime highs and nighttime lows as the season moves along.
September Temperature Range
September in Chengdu still feels like late summer. Daytime highs average around 82°F (28°C) at the start, but by month’s end, they’re closer to 75°F (24°C).
Nights are milder, with lows starting near 70°F (21°C) and dipping toward 60°F (16°C) later on.
Humidity stays high, and the air can feel muggy, especially early in the month. Rain is still common, though wet days get less frequent as September goes on.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, mornings and evenings usually feel better than midday. Light clothing works at first, but you might want a light jacket by late September.
| Average | Early September | Late September |
|---|---|---|
| High | 82°F (28°C) | 75°F (24°C) |
| Low | 70°F (21°C) | 60°F (16°C) |
October Temperature Range
October brings much more comfortable weather. Average highs stay near 70°F (21°C), while lows hover between 55°F (13°C) and 60°F (16°C).
The humidity drops sharply, so the air feels cooler and less heavy than in September.
Rainfall also drops, and you’ll spot more clear or partly cloudy days. October is honestly one of the nicest months for walking around Chengdu, whether you’re exploring parks or checking out cultural spots.
Pack layers—mornings and evenings can feel chilly compared to afternoons. A light sweater or jacket usually does the trick.
| Average | Early October | Late October |
|---|---|---|
| High | 72°F (22°C) | 66°F (19°C) |
| Low | 59°F (15°C) | 55°F (13°C) |
November Temperature Range
By November, you’ll feel a clear shift toward winter. Highs average around 56°F (13°C), while lows drop to about 45°F (7°C).
Nights can sometimes get close to 40°F (4°C), so evenings get much cooler.
The air dries out, and cloud cover drops, so you get more sunny days. Rain is rare, and by the end of the month, you’ll barely see a wet day.
You’ll need warmer clothing, especially for early mornings or after sunset. A medium-weight jacket or a few layers will keep you comfortable.
| Average | Early November | Late November |
|---|---|---|
| High | 61°F (16°C) | 56°F (13°C) |
| Low | 50°F (10°C) | 45°F (7°C) |
Rainfall and Rainy Days During Fall
Chengdu’s fall rainfall shifts from the heavy summer monsoon to the drier winter stretch. You’ll notice both precipitation totals and rainy days drop steadily as fall moves on.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
September still carries some of summer’s wetness. Average rainfall usually lands between 100–150 mm, making it the wettest fall month.
Showers can be frequent, but they’re less intense than in July or August.
By October, rainfall drops to about 60–80 mm. Rain is lighter and more scattered, with fewer long downpours.
November is much drier, with totals near 20–30 mm. At this point, rain is rare, and many days pass without any measurable precipitation.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 100–150 |
| October | 60–80 |
| November | 20–30 |
Frequency of Rainy Days
In September, you’ll get around 12–15 rainy days, though most aren’t all-day events. Showers might pop up in the afternoon or evening, often clearing by night.
October brings fewer rainy days, averaging 8–10 for the month. Rain is more on-and-off, and dry stretches last longer.
By November, you’ll see just 4–6 days with rain. It’s usually a light drizzle instead of heavy storms.
This steady decline makes late fall a great time to explore Chengdu without rain ruining your plans.
Transition from Wet to Dry Periods
Fall marks a clear transition from Chengdu’s humid summer to its drier winter. September still feels damp, with leftover monsoon moisture.
As October rolls on, the air dries out, and rain falls off sharply. Weather patterns get more stable, and you’ll see fewer cloudy days than in late summer.
By November, the change is complete. Rainfall is rare, humidity is lower, and skies are often clear. The dry season has arrived and will stick around through winter.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Chengdu’s fall weather brings steady humidity that shapes comfort, air quality, and the city’s daily feel. Moisture in the air mixes with cloud cover and limited sun, creating a damp atmosphere that affects both outdoor plans and daily routines.
Average Relative Humidity Levels
During fall, relative humidity in Chengdu usually ranges from 77% to 84%. This keeps the air moist, even as rainfall drops from summer levels.
You’ll notice mornings often feel damp, with mist or light fog showing up in low areas. The high humidity can make the air feel cooler than the thermometer says, especially in October and November.
Chengdu doesn’t really get sharp drops in humidity during autumn. Instead, the city holds steady, which is why cloudy skies and limited sunshine are so common.
Here’s a quick look at average humidity:
| Month | Average Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| September | ~81% |
| October | ~80% |
| November | ~78% |
Humidity drops slowly through the season, but it stays high compared to many other Chinese cities.
Humidity Fluctuations by Month
In September, humidity still hovers near summer levels, often above 80%. Afternoons might feel a bit less damp, but mornings and evenings stay muggy.
By October, the air feels cooler, but humidity sits near 80%, making days feel heavy even with less rain. Fog is more common, especially in the early mornings.
In November, humidity dips to around 77–78%, but the air is still moist enough to give a persistent chill. Paired with cooler temperatures, this creates a damp cold that feels stronger than the numbers suggest.
These changes are gradual, so expect steady moisture in the air throughout fall, rather than sudden swings.
Wind Speed and Weather Comfort
Chengdu’s fall brings calmer winds compared to late winter and spring, along with mild temps that make outdoor plans easier. You’ll get a mix of cloudy skies, light breezes, and the odd rain shower, all shaping how comfortable it feels outside.
Typical Fall Wind Speeds
Wind speeds in Chengdu stay pretty low during autumn. Average speeds usually fall below 5 miles per hour, so you’ll rarely notice strong gusts.
The city’s spot in the Sichuan Basin, with mountains all around, blocks most of the stronger winds. This geography helps keep things stable and cuts down on sudden weather swings.
Light breezes in September and October take the edge off any leftover humidity from summer. By November, the air feels cooler and drier, but winds remain gentle.
For most of fall, wind barely factors into comfort—clouds and rain matter more.
Impact on Daily Life and Travel
Calm winds make it easy to enjoy outdoor life in Chengdu during fall. You can walk, bike, or wander through parks without worrying about dust or strong gusts. Streets and markets feel comfortable for everyone.
Travel usually runs smoothly, too. Flights at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport rarely get delayed by wind, though low clouds and rain might still mess with schedules.
If you’re planning to visit cultural sites or take day trips into nearby mountains, gentle breezes mean you won’t need to prep for harsh weather. A light jacket is usually enough, maybe with an umbrella for the occasional rain.
Since wind levels stay mild, you can focus more on temperature swings and rain when planning your days. All in all, autumn is one of the most predictable and comfortable times to be in Chengdu.
Best Time to Visit Chengdu in the Fall
Chengdu’s fall feels refreshing, honestly. The temperatures drop, rain lets up, and the city shows off some amazing colors.
You’ll probably notice the weather stays pretty mild, and golden gingko trees line the streets. If you’re lucky, you might catch young pandas playing at the Chengdu Panda Base.
Pick the right month and pack for shifting weather, and you’ll get way more out of your trip.
Most Pleasant Fall Months
September doesn’t really feel like fall yet. It’s more of a late summer vibe, with daytime highs around 22°C (71°F).
You can wear light clothes, enjoy walking tours, or eat outside without sweating buckets. Humidity drops off, so the air finally feels cleaner than in the sticky summer months.
October? That’s probably the sweet spot. The average temperature sits around 17°C (63°F).
City parks and temples light up with those golden gingko leaves, and you’ll probably stumble onto the Chrysanthemum Exhibition in People’s Park.
Crowds aren’t too bad, at least once the October holiday rush dies down.
By November, things cool off more. Daytime highs hover near 12°C (54°F), and mornings can get pretty chilly.
Bring a sweater or jacket, especially if you’re heading to places like Qingyang Palace or Du Fu Thatched Cottage.
The air feels crisp, the pace slows down, and you won’t have to dodge big crowds.
| Month | Avg. Temp (°C) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| September | 22°C / 71°F | Warm days, fewer tourists |
| October | 17°C / 63°F | Gingko leaves, cultural festivals |
| November | 12°C / 54°F | Cooler, quieter, less crowded |
Travel Tips for Fall Visitors
Pack layers—mornings and evenings usually feel cooler than afternoons. In September, a light jacket usually does the trick.
By October or November, you’ll probably want a thicker coat. If you get cold easily, you might appreciate gloves or a scarf, but some folks skip them.
Fall brings less rain, but the air dries out fast. I always toss a hand cream or moisturizer in my bag, just in case.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes, for sure. Places like Jinli Old Street or Chunxi Road mean you’ll be on your feet a lot.
Keep an eye on the holiday calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival in September and the National Day Holiday in early October pack the city with visitors and push hotel prices up.
If you can, plan your trip after those holidays. It’s just so much quieter.
Side trips are worth considering too. Fall is a fantastic time to check out Jiuzhaigou Valley or Daocheng Yading from Chengdu, where autumn colors really pop.
These spots get colder than Chengdu, so bring some extra warm clothes.